High pressure hose coupling



May 13, 1941. J. v. RYAN TAL HIGH PRESSURE HosE COUPLING 2 'Sheets-Sheet l will Fild Nov. 10. 1958 dw'. TToRNEYs Y May 13, 1941. J. v. RYAN ETAL HIGH PRESSURE HOSE COUPLING 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. l0,- 1938 INVENTOR NNNN Patented May 13, 1941 UNITED TES HIGH PRESSURE HOSE OOUPLING New York Application November l0, 1938, Serial No. 239,766

(Cl. I285-71) 5 Claims.

This invention relates to high pressure hose and, more particularly, to that portion of the hose which is fitted to be coupled to apparatus in connection with which the hose is used.

An' object of the invention is to provide a structure in which a rigid, and preferably metallic, coupling member is united with the flexible hose body elements so as to prevent leakage of the fluid carried by the hose at any point or in any direction adjacent said parts even though the hose be progressively flexed at diiferent points along its length during the operation of the apparatus.

Another object consists in providing such a structure in which said coupling member is so formed as to lend itself to intimate association with the hose body elements and to resist even the slightest amount of longitudinal separation under the highest internal pressures.

Another object consists in providing such a structure in which the hose body elements adjacent to and cooperative with the said coupling member are so formed and arranged as to obviate any separation due either to radial or longitudinal stresses and slippage or distortion engenf dered thereby.

Another object consists in providing a yielding contact surface on said coupling member so formed as to adapt itself for mating engagement with a companion coupling element and provide a joint that will resist and defeat any tendency to fluid leakage intermediate said parts.

A further object consists in providing certain improvements in the form, construction, material and arrangement of the parts whereby the the plane of the line II-II of Fig. l, looking in the direction of the arrows.

The hose constituting the subject matter of this invention is primarily of the class that is fitted to withstand very high pressures and is commonly used in connection with the drilling of f.

oil wells. As is well known, such Wells are driven to very great depths, e. g. several thousand feet, and the drilling operation is accomplished by rotation of a drill. The high pressure hose is connected to the apparatus and is calculated to l supply a suitable uid, which frequently contains abrasive materials, down through a pipe to the point or bit of the drill for facilitating the drilling operation and for evacuating debris upwardly around the outside of the dril. In this operation the hose is coupled near the upper end of the drill and is progressively flexed at points along its length, and particularly near said coupling point, as the drill advances downwardly and as the apparatus to which the hose is coupled is raised from time to time for the addition of sections to the well pipe. Owing to the great depth to which the wells are dug, the hose is necessarily subjected to very great internal pressure and this frequently rises to an order of, say, thirty-live hundred pounds per square inch. Under these circumstancesy it will be evidentA that there isa great tendency to leakage and failure through whole or partial destruction adjacent the coupling point, which tendency our invention is calculated to overcome by improvement in coupling structure, in hose structure and in union between coupling and hose.

Turning now to the embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, the hose has an inner lining designed for the conducting of the fluid, which lining is marked I and is preferably composed of suitable abrasiveresistingv rubber compound which, with several variations, is well understood by the practical art so that it calls for no detailed description herein.

Immediately surrounding the lining is a plurality of layers of rubberized duck or canvas which are collectively marked 2. These layers are usually applied in bias out strips so as to facilitate their conformation to the lining, and their composition, rubberizing treatment, and application are so much a part of the knowledge of this industry as to call for no further description herein. These duck or canvas layers obviously reinforce the lining I and they also serve the purpose of distributing internal pressure to outer reinforcing members while themselves absorbing shocks and strains.

Said fabric layers 2 are, in turn, covered with a layer of rubber compound 3 which is preferably somewhat thinner than the lining I and is calculated to serve the purpose of a cushion and a filling and bonding agent with respect to the previously described fabric elements and the next outer elements of the hose body. Suitable compounds for this layer 3 are llikewise well known in the art.

The hose body is next provided with a strong reinforcing and constricting element in the form of a spiral winding 4 preferably composed of metallic mesh tape such as the braided or woven material that is commonly used in the margins or beads of automobile tire casings and is well known in the art as bead wire. This bead wire is applied under very substantial tension and with a slight spacing between its adjacent coils in order to avoid undue friction or overlapping of the coils upon the inside of the body curve when the hose is flexed. 'I'he characteristics of this bead wire lend themselves readily to this application and the interstices therein permit the interilowing or movement of rubber from layer 3 so as to strengthen the union or interengagement of the parts.

Surrounding the winding of bead wire 4 is another layer of rubber compound 5 that is similar in form and function to the layer 3; and upon said layer 5 is placed another spiral winding 6 of bead wire or the like which in its form and function is like the winding 4 with the exception that winding 6 takes a spiral course opposite to that of winding 4 in order to balance the construction at these points and better to resist strains in both radial and longitudinal directions.

W'hile we have noted a preference for bead wire as the material to constitute windings 4 and 6, it should be noted that other material could be substituted, although a tape form having interstices or irregularities or roughness for union with the rubber layers has substantial advantages.

Exterior to the winding 6 is located another rubber layer 1 which is, in form and function, similar to the layers 3 and 5; but it should be noted that the rubber layer 1 is compounded, in one of several ways well known to the art, so as Ito adapt it for a bonding attachment, under vulcanizing heat, to a metallic sleeve 8 which rests upon said rubber layer 'I.

All the elements I to 1, hereinabove described, extend throughout the length of the hose, but the metallic sleeve 8 only extends a short distance, e. g., about one foot, from the end of the hose inwardly. The sleeve is preferably composed of metal such as brass, and it is slit longitudinally to facilitate its association with the inner layers of the hose body. The said brass sleeve 8 of course strengthens the body of the hose, but it is primarily intended lto form a smooth and uniform outer surface for the inner hose elements in order to facilitate the operation of slipping in place the hose coupling element 9, that will be hereinafter referred to as a nipple.

The said nipple is preferably composed of metal, such as cast steel, and is of tapered tubular form with a bulky flange I8 at its outer end adapted for mating engagement with a companion or complementary coupling member indicated by II.

'I'he exterior of the nipple rearwardly of the flange I 0 is fashioned in helical form so as to have what might be designated as an exterior screw thread with wideconvolutions or threads, two Aof which are denoted by I2. By reference to Figs. 1 and la, it will be seen that there are six such convolutions, counting the adjacent portion of flange I9 and, intermediate said convolu. tions we have provided series of round holes that extend through the nipple 9 `to the brass sleeve 8, two of said holes being marked I3. Examinaton of Figure 2 of the drawings will show that the said holes are arranged in staggered relationship instead `of lying in straight lines longitudinally of the nipple. This staggered relationship, together with liberal spacing of the holes, obviates undue weakening of the nipple 9, and it also permits a more uniform and rigid interlocking engagement between the nipple 9 and sleeve 8, which engagement is preferably accomplished by filling the holes I3 with solder or the like that is of such compound, well known in the art, as rmly to adhere to the brass sleeve 8 and form plugs, two of which are marked I4, extending from the said sleeve into the nipple 9.

The construction just described establishes a very rm and strain resisting union between the nipple 9 and associated parts, and the shape and construction of the nipple is such as firmly to resist leakage or separation and to maintain a uniform conduit within the lining I for passage of the fluid.

The helical formation I2 on the nipple 9 may be made by machining or by welding or otherwise securing in place suitable convolutions, or

by casting, or in any other practical manner;

lof the helical formation I2, are attached a setv of longitudinally disposed reinforcing elements I5. These elements are preferably composed of the metallic bead wirehereinabove described, and they may be secured to the nipple by soldering, brazing, or in any other suitable way. They extend rearwardly of the nipple into the hose body for varying distances, say a foot more or less, and, at a suitable distance to the rear of the nipple and to the rear of the brass sleeve 8, they are likewise attached to the coils of the bead wire winding .6 through the binding action of rubber layer 1 which may be supplemented by mechanical fastening as, for instance, soldering or brazing.

Two of the said reinforcing elements I5, which are particularly denoted by the reference numerals I8 and I1, and which are located at diametrically opposed points, extend forwardly along the nipple 9 through grooves formed in the helical parts I2 and are secured,- as by soldering, to the flange I 0.

The said elements I5, I5 and I1 have for an important purpose the reinforcing of the hose against injury from flexure at a point immediately rearward of the extremity of the nipple 9, and they also serve rmly to withstand strains exerted in such a direction as to tend to bring about relative longitudinal movement or separation between the nipple 9 and hose body. The extension of said elements I6 and I'I to the flange Il) and their fastening thereto, strongly reinforce the function just described. While we have specified the said elements as preferably consisting of metallic mesh bead wire, they may be composed of any other suitable material, although metal with interstices, or having roughnesses thereon, is highly desirable. Likewise it will be understood that, instead of extending only two of the elements, such as I5 and I'I, through to the flange I9, we may extend three or more. It is, however, desirable that such extended elements be uniformly spaced in a circumferential direction in order properly to balance resistance to strain, and they may be covered with a thin layer of rubber.

The next reinforcing feature of the construction in a radially outward direction is a helical winding marked I9 and preferably composed of bead wire such as that used in the windings 4 and 6. It will be observed that this winding I9 follows a path similar to that of the helical formation I2 on nipple 9 and that the convolutions of the said winding are spaced apart so as to rest upon the solder plugs I4 and continue in lesser spaced relationship along the nipple 9 and from there on throughout the length of the hose. This helical winding of bead wire assists in tying the nipple into the hose body; in binding the longitudinal elements I5, I6 and I'I to the nipple; and in reinforcing the hose against rupture or injury from ilexure adjacent the rear end of the nipple. It furthermore constitutes a strong constrictive reinforcing element of the hose body against the high pressures hereinabove mentioned.

Surrounding the wire winding IS is another layer of rubber which, in form and function, is substantially like layers 3 and 5; following which there is located a plurality of fabric plies, such as rubberized duck or canvas, which plies are collectively denoted by 2 I. These fabric plies serve for general reinforcing of the hose structure and specifically for separating the metallic layers within them from the metallic layers surrounding them, to be hereinafter described. The said plies 2l extend from the end of the hcse rearwardly a substantial distance such, for instance, as from four or five to eight or nine feet, and each ply is preferably a little longer than the next one within it, such difference in length being, say, approximately one foot. This arrangement serves to step down or graduate the thickness of the layer of plies 2i as the main body of the hose away from its coupling end portion is reached.

Another layer of rubber 22, similar to layer 2li, is placed on the outside of the fabric plies 2I for a purpose analogous to that hereinabove described in connection with the other rubber layers in the body; and this layer like layer 20 preferably extends throughout the length of the hose.

or binding reinforcement for compressing the plies of fabric 2'I and for tightening down the helical winding I9, we make use preferably of wire that is round in cross section and apply it with the coils in substantial engagement to form a continuous winding 23 extending from flange I0 back approximately to the rear end of nipple 9. Coppered steel spring wire of No. l2 gauge has been found to be highly satisfactory for this purpose. Its ends may be secured in any suitable manner and the layer or winding of wire thus formed is covered by another layer of rubber 24 that is similar to layer 22.

Around the last named rubber layer there is bound a spiral winding 25 of bead wire which is similar to those hereinbefore described and numbered 4, 6 and I9, except that this winding 25 has its convolutions spaced a little further apart than those of windings 4 and 6, and a little closer together than those of winding IQ. This bead wire layer extends throughout the length of the hose and is for the purpose of resisting the expansive forces of internal pressure.

A rubber layer 26, similar to` layer 243, surrounds the bead wire winding 25 and it, in turn, is covered with several plies of fabric 21, such as rubberized duck or canvas, that are similar to the plies 2 and ZI. These plies constitute a reinforcing and cushioning element generally, and they specifically prevent chafmg between the bead wire winding 25 and exterior wire windings to be hereinafter described. Such chang might otherwise occur when the `hose is flexed, particularly on the inner curve of the flexure, and would principally tend to injure the bead wire winding 25. On top of the said plies of fabric 2l is placed another rubber layer 28 which is similar to layer 26. The said two last named rubber layers and fabric plies extend throughout the length of the hose.

Another winding preferably consisting of coppered round steel spring wire, similar to that marked 23, is placed on top of the rubber layer 28 and is arranged in spaced groups of coils, the turns of each group being in substantial contact, and the groups being widely spaced with a single intermediate coil. The groups of this winding are denoted generally by 29 and the individual intermediate coils by 30. This wire winding serves to compress the plies of fabric 21 and acts as a means for still further securing the nipple 9 against movement in the hose body. The arrangement of spaced groups of wire coils just described serves to accomplish the said functions while accommodating the layer or winding to `the necessary flexing of the hose and avoiding undue rigidity which might result from a multiplicity of wire windings having all their coils in substantial contact.

Another rubber layer PII, similar to layer 28, serves to fill in the spaces between the coils of the wire layer 22, 30, and also to cover the said wire.

A final reinforcement is spirally wound around the last named rubber layer 3| and preferably Vconsists of flat rectangular steel wire 32 arranged in spaced coils with intermediate filling and covering of rubber 33 similar to the rubber layers hereinbefore described. This winding of wire 32 is a very powerful external reinforcingv member to resist expansion from internal pressure, and it also specifically acts as a protector for the under parts of the hose body against deep gouging from exterior accidental contacts. This wire winding 32 extends throughout the length of the hose and, if desired, round wire such as that composing layers 23 and 29, could be substituted for the wire of dat rectangular section.

Outside the rubber layer 33 which covers the wire winding 32, there is placed a single ply 34 of fabric such as rubberized open mesh duck or canvas out on the bias. This material readily adapts itself to curve contour and intimate engagement with rubber, and it serves mainly to assist in holding the final exterior rubber covering 35 against pulling or tearing away from the body of the hose. The rubber layer 35 is preferably compounded so as to resist frictional wear or abrasion and the fabric strip 34 greatly increases the strength of the union between the said exterior rubber layer and the next inner rubber layer 33 which is not so heavily compounded as it is not required to resist abrasion from frictional'contact.

The coupling member I@ is cut away on its I face as indicated at 36 to form a circular redegree of heat for a given period of time.

2' and rubber layers 3 and 5, are folded or bent back so as to lie snugly in said recess 36, thus forming a yielding facing or gasket-like packing for the face of flange I that is fitted to engage its companion .coupling member Il. The said face of liner l' is provided with a series (in the present instancei) of concentric beads or ridges 37, that are triangular in cross section and fitted to enter `corresponding recesses 38 formed in the abutting face of the coupling member Il. It will be clear that when said coupling members l' and Il are brought into face contact and rrnly clamped together, as by bolts or the like passing through the holes shown therein, the said extension of rubber and fabric ylying in the recess 36, and more speciiically the beads 3l, will set up an extremely leak-proof engagement between the coupling members so as to resist any escape of fluid at that point in spite of very heavy internal fluid pressure andthe constant strain at the coupling arising from the flexing of the hose hereinabove described.

It should be said that all the rubber elements and the rubberizing on the fabric elements are compounded for vulcanization purposes, vand that the compounds are adjusted as, for instance, with respect to sulphur and accelerator content, so as to reach the desired or optimum state of Vulcanization in the course of subjection `to a given This is all within the skill of the calling and requires no more specification than mere reference 'by way of direction. Such vulcanization may conveniently be accomplished by subjecting the assembled parts to steam heat, and, as the Vulcanizing heat, of course, softens the rubber so as to bring it almost to a uid condition, the rubber will move or flow or migrate into all openings, even of extremely minute dimensions, and thereby bring about a very rm bonding and, in effect, a unitary structure of the hose elements and coupling part, consisting of ange and nipple, that is associated therewith. Where the rubber portions are to contact with metallic portions, they are compounded so as to bring about union therewith through vulcanization, and the same applies where the rubber parts are contignous to fabric parts or to other rubber parts of diifering characteristics. Furthermore, the solder or the like that fills in the holes I3 with plugs I4 for the purpose of unitingthe nipple 9 and brass sleeve 8 is, as previously indicated, of such low melting or fusing point that it will flow and perform its function during the time and temperature of vulcanization allotted for v uniting the elements of the hose by vulcanization as just described.

We believe that the structure hereinabove described contains a number of novel elements; that it is novel as a whole; and that it effects a union of hose and coupling member, a strength of hose, anda tightness of joint between cornpanion coupling members, heretofore .unattained- We desire it to be understood that various changes may be resorted to in the form, construction, material, and arrangement of the parts, as Well as in the steps followed in constructing the hose, without departing from the spirit and scope of our invention, and hence we do not intend to be limited to the details herein shown and described except as they may be included in the claims.

What we claim is:

-1. :In a hose, a coupling member provided with a nipple embedded in thebody of the hose, said nipple having an exterior helical formation thereon adjacent its outer end and being provided with perforations therethrough located intermediate the spirals of said helical formation, a substantially smooth metallic sleeve embedded in the hose body adjacent the inside of said nipple and secured thereto by binding material located in said perforations, and a reinforcing winding. 1o-` smooth exterior from said helical formation to itsv inner end, a substantially smooth metallic sleeve embedded in the hose body adjacent the inside of said nipple and secured thereto by binding material located in said perforations, and a reinforcing winding located intermediate the spirals of said helical formation in contact with said binding material and extending rearwardly along its substantially smoothv exterior and into the body of the hose.

3. In a hose, a coupling member provided with a nipple embedded in the body of the hose, said nipple having an exterior helical formation thereon adjacent its outer end and being provided with perforations therethrough located intermediate the spirals of said helical formation, a substantially smooth metallic sleeve embedded in the hose body adjacent the inside of said nipple and secured thereto by binding material located .in said perforations, a reinforcing winding located intermediate the spirals of said helical formation in contact with said binding material and extending rearwardly from said nipple into the body o1 the hose, and longitudinally disposed reinforcing members secured to said nipple near its outervend and extending rearwardly under said reinforcing winding and along the exterior of the nipple to a point in the body of the hose substantially beyond the inner end of the nipple.

4. In a hose, a coupling member provided with a nipple embedded in the body of the hose, said nipple having an exterior helical formation thereon adjacent its outer end and being provided with perforations therethrough located intermediate l the spirals of said helical formation, a substantially smooth metallic sleeve embedded in the hose body adjacent the inside of said nipple and secured thereto by binding material located in Said perforations, a reinforcing winding located intermediate the spirals o-f lsaid helical formation in contact with said binding material and extending rearwardly from said nipple into the body of the hose, and longitudinally disposed reinforcing members secured to said nipple near its outer end and extending rearwardly under said reinforcing winding and along the exterior of the nipple toa point in the body of the hose substantially beyond the inner end of the nipple, the

body of the hose including plies of fabric surrounded by reinforcing windings located within the nipple, and plies of fabric surrounded by reinforcing windings located without the nipple, part of said outer reinforcing windings extending throughout the length of the hose and part extending no further than substantially to the inner end of the nipple.

5. In a hose, a` coup-ling member provided with a nipple embedded in the body of the hose, said nipple having an exterior helical formation thereon adjacent its outer end and being provided with perforations thereth'rouglr located intermediate the spirals of said helical formation, a substantially smooth metallic sleeve embedded in the hose body adjacent the inside of said nipple and secured thereto by binding material located in said perforations, a reinforcing winding located intermediate the spirals of said helical formation in contact with said binding material and extending rearwardly from said nipple into the body of the hose, and longitudinally disposed reinforcing members secured to said nipple near its outer end and extending rearwardly under said reinforcing winding and along the exterior of the nipple to a point in the body of the hose substantially beyond the inner end of the nipple, the body of the hose including plies of fabric surrounded by reinforcing windings located within the nipple, and plies of fabric surrounded by reinforcing windings located without the nipple, part of said outer reinforcing windings extending throughout the length of the hose and part extending no further than substantially to the inner end of the nipple, at least one of said outer reinforcing windings consisting of spaced groups of closely arranged coils.

JAMES V. RYAN.

EDWIN S. DAVIS. 

